Have you ever stumbled upon an unbelievably good travel deal online, only to find it vanish or be unavailable to you? Or perhaps you've heard whispers of travel agents and insiders getting access to prices the rest of us can only dream of?
If you're researching travel clubs and feeling a bit wary, you're in good company. The world of travel pricing can seem opaque, filled with jargon and exclusive access. But what if there was a legitimate way to tap into those elusive deals? This post pulls back the curtain on wholesale travel — explaining what it actually means, how it works, and how everyday travelers can gain access to the same incredible rates that were once reserved for industry insiders.
When you hear 'wholesale,' you probably think of buying in bulk at a discounted rate — like a warehouse club where members get better prices than at a regular supermarket. Wholesale travel deals operate on a very similar principle.
In the travel industry, wholesale refers to a business-to-business (B2B) model where large quantities of travel inventory — hotel rooms, cruise cabins, blocks of airline seats — are purchased by specialized companies at significantly reduced rates. These companies are known as travel wholesalers or 'bed banks.' They act as intermediaries between travel suppliers (hotels, cruise lines, airlines) and sellers (travel agencies, tour operators).
Wholesalers never sell directly to individual consumers. Their business is solely with other businesses in the travel trade.
It boils down to a few key reasons:
This is often the million-dollar question: if these amazing wholesale travel deals exist, why can't I just book them myself?
The answer lies in the fundamental business model of wholesale travel, which is built on exclusivity and protecting the integrity of retail pricing. Wholesale rates are governed by B2B contracts that explicitly prohibit the wholesaler from selling directly to the general public. This protects the supplier's retail pricing strategy — if a hotel sells rooms at $400 on its website, it can't have the same rooms available for $250 through a public channel.
Accessing these rates also requires verification processes — business licenses, IATA or ARC numbers, and other credentials that prove you're a legitimate trade partner. This barrier ensures that only qualified businesses can access the discounted inventory.
The dilemma is clear: travelers crave the incredible savings offered by wholesale travel deals, but the industry's structure prevents direct public access. This is precisely where innovative travel membership companies, like American Savings Network (ASN), step in.
Travel membership companies negotiate directly with the same travel wholesalers and suppliers that traditionally only deal with travel agents and tour operators. By representing a large, committed base of members, they can secure those coveted net rates and deeply discounted prices — then pass the savings directly to their individual members.
Effectively, you're becoming part of a collective that IS part of the travel trade. You gain legitimate access to wholesale pricing channels that were previously out of reach, all through a trusted, accredited organization.
This is often where the most dramatic savings are seen. Hotels frequently offer wholesalers rates that are 20–40% below what you'd find on popular online travel agencies or even the hotel's own website. A luxury resort room that might cost $400 per night publicly could be available to a travel club member for $250–$300. Over a week-long stay, those savings add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Cruise lines also work extensively with wholesalers to fill cabins. Through a travel membership, you might find not only discounted fares but also added perks like onboard credit, complimentary excursions, or free drink packages that aren't available to the general public.
By combining wholesale rates for accommodation with negotiated group rates for flights, travel membership companies can offer comprehensive vacation packages that are far more affordable than booking each component separately. This is particularly beneficial for international travel or complex itineraries.
American Savings Network (ASN) is a BBB-Accredited travel membership company based in Las Vegas that exemplifies this model. ASN members gain access to:
Wholesale travel deals aren't just marginal discounts — they represent a fundamental shift in pricing that can make dream vacations more accessible and frequent. The key is gaining access to the right channels through a trusted membership.
By becoming a member of a reputable travel club like ASN, you're not trying to circumvent the travel industry's structure — you're becoming part of it. You gain legitimate access to the wholesale pricing channels that were previously out of reach, all while benefiting from a trusted, accredited organization dedicated to saving you money on travel.
Join thousands of members who travel smarter and save thousands every year through ASN's wholesale pricing.
See ASN Membership Options